Everywhere you look, people are talking about going “green,” but what exactly does this mean? As the environmentally friendly building trend grows, more builders are offering “green” options to their customers. As many homeowners are unsure what they need to make their homes more energy efficient, groups such as Austin Energy have offered tips as to what should be used or added to a home when building or remodeling to meet these green standards.

When building a new home, plans for going green start with things as basic as the positioning of the structure. An east-west axis will reduce energy usage, on its own. Choice of materials and features also plays a role in the energy rating of a home. Use spray foam insulation, rather than standard fiberglass and choose energy efficient doors and windows.

When purchasing a cooling system for a new home or as a replacement, be sure that the model is energy efficient. Lighting should be fluorescent, particularly in high use areas. Add ceiling fans to common rooms, bedrooms, baths and kitchens. Choose a light color for the exterior of the home and have interior rooms painted colors that make the best use of natural light. Experts also suggest that the structure of the home be built from sustainable materials to further help the environment.

Though many of these building choices are more expensive initially, the energy savings and environmental impact is well worth the expense. Even if going completely green is not financially possible, even the smallest improvements will be a help to your personal energy usage and to the environment.